Issue Papers

Effectiveness of Stability Operations During the Initial Implementation of the Transition Phase for Operation Iraqi Freedom COL Paul F Dicker Student Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "The United States’ strategic goal at the onset of the armed conflict in Iraq was to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime and to create a free, unified, and democratic Iraq. The necessity of having a unified Iraq derives from its strategic location in the Middle East and from U.S. commitments to other Middle East countries supporting the war effort, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan. In order to achieve this strategic goal, the coalition, led by the U.S. military, would need to first insure a secure and stable environment."

Observing al Qaeda Through the Lens of Complexity Theory: Recommendations for the National Strategy to Defeat Terrorism LTC Michael F Beech Student Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "The defeat of al Qaeda and the global network of Islamic terrorist organizations often appear no more certain today than it did two years ago. Since 9/11 the world has witnessed terrorist attacks against US interests and its allies in seven different countries. Al Qaeda may have lost Afghanistan as a safe haven, but it has gained a new front by conducting operations against US and coalition forces in Iraq. Despite US military successes, al Qaeda retains a demonstrated ability to recruit and conduct operations globally as Osama bin Laden and many of his most experienced inner circle and associates are still at large. Although there has yet to be another devastating attack on the US homeland, it is important to remember that the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon took over three years of planning and preparation. The lack of a subsequent catastrophic attack in the US since 9/11 is not in itself proof of a successful strategy against terrorism. Despite the efforts of two years of military operations against al Qaeda, the CIA pronounced that al Qaeda still represents the single greatest risk to US national security. This paradox calls into question the very frameworks, models and tools that US strategic leaders use to develop counter terrorism policy and strategy."

Swiftly Defeat The Efforts: Then What? The "New American Way Of War" And Transitioning Decisive Combat To Post Conflict Stabilization LTC John D Nelson Student Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "Since the end of the first Gulf War in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm the United States has fought in three decisive operations: Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The principles of Rapid Decisive Operations influenced the pattern and conduct of operations in all three conflicts. The success in the major combat operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom, led Max Boot, to call this a New American Way of War."

Leveraging the Media: The Embedded Media Program in Operation Iraqi Freedom Col Glenn Starnes Student Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "Margaret Belknap writing in Parameters in 2002 commented, “The fourth estate [the media] offers a superb mechanism for strategic leaders and warfighters to transmit operational objectives and goals, as well as to reinforce policy objectives.” Ms Belknap stated that strategic leaders must be proactive in leveraging the media in order to inform audiences concerning objectives and end-states. She warned that if the military failed to leverage the media, they risked having the graphic images of war shown to the world and the American people in a distorted manner. Inaccurate or deceitful reporting of military actions could drastically affect the will and support of the American people, which is the strategic center of gravity for the United States (US). Loss of public support for a war could also affect the decision-making process at the strategic level. Essentially, Ms Belknap echoed the sentiment of many others who recommend the military cease holding the press at arm’s length. Instead, the military should embrace the press and leverage the media’s technology and worldwide reach to further strategic goals."

The 'Global ' Homeland: International Perspectives on Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Prof Bert B Tussing Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "Given the immediacy in both time and space of the terrorist threat, it is easy to become overly focused on the issue as regards only the United States and the U.S. homeland. Yet, we are not in this alone. Other nations, international organizations such as NATO and the European Union, and transnational law enforcement agencies such as Europol and Interpol are deeply committed to the counterterror effort. Seeing the Global War on Terror from their perspective provides both greater insight and greater opportunities for crushing the enemies of civilized peoples throughout the world."

Collins Center Senior Symposium: Examining Critical Infrastructure Protection Strategies Dr Kent H Butts, LTC John C Traylor, Prof Bert B Tussing Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "Among the leading concerns surrounding Homeland Security in the United States is Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). Identifying, prioritizing, and providing for the protection of infrastructure so vital to the United States that its incapacity or destruction “would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination of those matters” is one of the most compelling issues facing the Department of Homeland Security, its interagency partners, state and local governments, and the private sector."

Addressing Transnational Threats in Southeast Asia: Environmental Security and Counter Terrorism Dr Kent H Butts, LTC Curtis W Turner Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "The United States-Republic of the Philippines strategic partnership was broadened when representatives of the two countries co-hosted the December Counter Terrorism Conference held in Manila from 3-5 December 2003. The Conference, Addressing Transnational Threats in Southeast Asia: Environmental Security and Counter Terrorism, was the second of a series of Defense Environmental Security Conferences and reflected the lead role of the Philippines in addressing the region’s transnational security threats."

Rebalancing the Force: Weighing the Roles of the Components Prof James O Kievit, LTC Robert W Lindemann, LTC John C Traylor, Prof Bert B Tussing Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "Conduct of the Global War on Terrorism has raised the involuntary mobilization of Army Reserve and National Guard forces to their highest levels since World War II. This increased reliance on the Reserve Components (RC) prompted the Secretary of Defense to direct the Services, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Under Secretaries of Defense to examine whether and how to “rebalance forces” in order to reduce the need to involuntarily mobilize the Guard and Reserve. The Army’s mission analysis is well underway, and the resulting AC/RC force structure will impact how the components provide appropriate and ready forces in support of the entire spectrum of missions overseas and for Homeland Security."

Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Central Asia / Central Asian States Disaster Response Conference 2003 Prof Bernard F Griffard, LTC Curtis W Turner, Prof Bert B Tussing Issue Paper by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership "The world continues to get smaller, and the neighborhoods that it is composed of are becoming more dependent upon one another. Today’s threats to stability are trans-national in nature and rarely contained within the borders of one country. In most cases the consequences of a major terrorist action or environmental disaster will quickly overwhelm the management capability and response assets of the affected nation. When that occurs the maintenance of stability relies on effective regional, and if required, international assistance. A government that attempts to “go it alone” in today’s environment runs the risk of losing the confidence of its citizens and, as a result, its viability. As part of the United States’ active efforts to forge new, productive international relationships to meet the challenges of the 21st century, encouraging stronger regional ties where few currently exist is a key policy initiative."